The Expedition to Tabūk

That is the time in which this sūrah was revealed: a very delicate time, a sensitive and critical moment. Consider what it involved. First, the expedition of Tabūk took place in intense heat; the weather was exceedingly hot. Second, the journey would be very long — probably the longest they had undertaken, since it carried them further north than before.

Going south from Madīnah Munawwarah lies Makkah Mukarramah. Going north one comes to Khaybar, and after that to Tabūk; and continuing, one comes to what is today Amman in Jordan, and to those places in Syria. It was the longest trek.

They had, then, to prepare for that, and in great heat. Third, the people were farmers, and their crops stood ready just then; if they were not gathered they would be lost, for they would spoil. One may see the great fitnah in it, the great trial and test from Allah (swt). This was, plainly, their livelihood. And fourth, they were now dealing with a superpower. No longer small Arab tribes like themselves: for the first time they faced foreigners, vast armies, the superpower of the world, properly equipped and organised in every respect.

This was therefore to be a major test of men's faith, sincerity and truthfulness. Here it would be discovered whether a man was of the Ṣiddīqīn or not. The difficulty in all of it was the munāfiqīn, who were to cause a great deal of trouble here; but this proved the final nail in their coffin, for after it they stood plainly exposed.